Billet scalping machine



April 15, 1941.

. A. OBERHOFFKEN BILLET SCALPING MACHINE Filed July 21, 1958 9 Sheets -Sheet 1 NVB NTO Fl. /70/// n TOEELEY April 1941- v A. OBERHOFFKEN 2,238,434

BILLET SCALfING MACHINE Filed July 21, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 iNVE NTOQ C4/excm0er Oflen/zo ken April 15, 1941. A, OBERHOFFKEN 2,233,434

BILLET SCALPING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 21, 1958 April 15, 1941.

A. OB ERHOFFKEN SCALPING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 21, 1958 L M WW? N T w wm 3 d3 m X A w.

OBERHOFFKEN BILLET SCALPI NG MACHINE April 15, 1941.

Filed July 21, 1938 ,6 I fly my C4/exan aer Ober/ro/iX en 9 Sheets-Sheet NVBNTOQ/ CATTOQNEYS A ril 15, 1941- A. OBERHOFFKEN 2,238,434

' BILLET SCALPING MACHINE Filed July '21, 1938 9 s'nms sneat a Wed (34/2 xcmae)" Ober/wo/fxan April 15, 1941. A. OBERHOFFKEN 8,

' BILLET-SCALPING MACHINE- Filed July 21, 19258 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 NVENTOQ/ Patented Apr. 15, 1941 Alexander Oberhofiken, The Ingersoll Milling ford, 111., a corporation of Machine Company, Bock- Illinois Application July 21, 1938, Serial No. 220,467

33 Claims.

The v invention relates to the machining of metal work pieces, and moreparticularly to the surfacing or 'scalping of metal bars, such as billets, ingots, slabs, and other semi-finished prodnets, to prepare them for subsequent rolling, drawing or other forming operations. v

The primary object of the invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for scalping the side surfaces and beveling the corners of metal bars of generally rectangular cross'section, whereby such bars may subsequent forming operations in a minimum of time and at relatively low cost.

Another object is to provide an improved machine for scalping metal bars quickly and emciently and with a minimum of handling.

.Another object is to provide a scalping machine embodyingv a novel combination and arrangement of metal removing instrumentalities and work handling mechanism by which relatively large heavybars or billets may be prepared for subsequent forming operations with a minimum of labor. and expense.

Another object is to provide a billetscalping machine embodying novel mechanisms for transferring large, heavy billets to and from the work table of a metal removing unit and for turning the billets to present the different sides thereof for surfacing by the unit.

Still another object is to provide a novel mechanism for transferring relatively f large heavy billets to and from the work table of a metal removing unit and for accurately positioning the billets on the table.

A further object is to provide novel hydraulically-operated mechanism for handling relativeiyheavy' metal bars such as billets, including means for transferring the bars from a conveyor to the work table-of a metal removing unit, for transferring the finished or partially finished bar from th work table to a second conveyor, and for turning the bars through an angle of ninety degrees in order to present different surfaces in operative relation to the tools of the unit.

A still further object is to provide a novel mechanism for turning elongated bars or billets about their longitudinal axes.

Another object is to provide, in a machine of the above general character, for positioning of one work piece in final working position without the necessity of removing a previously machined work piece from the machine.

A more detailed object is to provide for positioning of one work piece in finalworking position through the intermediary of another work piece.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a control mechanism of novel advantageous character for scalping machines whereby the operation of the metal removing unit or units, the transfer mechanism and the turning mechanism may be controlled in a reliable manner and be prepared for whereby operation of the several mechanisms in proper sequence isinsured.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in

which Figure 1 is a front end elevation of a scalping machine embodying the features of the invention, certain of the parts being broken away and shown in section.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the billet transfer and turning mechanism taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear end elevation-of the machine.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the billet turning mechanism taken along the line H of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section of the turning mechanism taken along the line 6-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. I is a fragmentary vertical section of the K turning mechanism taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the hydraulic means for operating the transfer mechanism, the turning mechanism, and'the billet clamping mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic operating and control circuits of the machine.

Figs. 10 to 19, inclusive, are diagrammatic views showing the various steps in the'improved method of scalping and beveling billets in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which longitudinally tapered billets are scalped and beveled by the present machine.

Fig. 21 is a view partly in section showing details of construction of the billet push rods.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, 'I have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the machine embodiments. -'It is to be understood, however, that I'do not thereby intend to limit the invention by such disclosure but aim to cover all modifications, adaptations and alternative constructions, and uses falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

By way of illustration, the invention has been shown and will be described as applied to the scalping and beveling of bars or billets 25 (Figs. 3 and -19) of substantially square cross section. This operation involves the machining or scalping of all four sides of the bar toremove slag, hard scaly particles or other surface irregularities and machining or beveling of corners which tend to produce folds or seams in the finished product.

The preferred form of the machine for cartying out the scalping and beveling operation comprises generally a metal removing unit such as a millingmachine of conventional construction and a billet handling mechanism assembled together in a unitary structure. To obtain maximum efllciency, it is preferred to employ a metal removing unit having two tool heads arranged to operate simultaneously on opposite sides of the work piece and thus finish two side surfaces and two corners of the work piece in each passage of the same through the unit.

Bars or billets of the type for which the present machine is designed are large and relatively heavy, and the handling of such bars has heretofore been a slow and expensive operation. To avoid these difilculties, the billet handling mechanism is accordingly arranged for power operation and preferably includes power-actuated transfer, positioning, and turning mechanisms whereby the billets can be handled quickly and efficiently by a minimum number of attendants. Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the metal removing unit of the machine selected to illustrate the invention comprises a base consisting of side frames 3| and 3| disposed on opposite sides of an elongated central frame section 32.

The section 32 forms a bed for a translatorytable or work support 33 which bed extends forwardly to provide a loading station at which the work pieces may be placed on and removed from the table. In the particular machine shown, the table 33 is supported for reciprocation longitudinally of the bed by means of tubular guides 34. Preferably, the table is driven selectively in either direction at a rapid traverse or at a slow feed by a rapid traverse motor 36 and a feed motor 36 through a speed reduction mechanism 35, suitable gearing 31 and a screw 3! which cooperates with a nut 36 attached to the table.

Mounted to slide horizontally on the respective frame sections 3| and 3! on opposite sides of the work table 33 rearwardly of the loading station are a pair of multiple spindle tool heads 4| and 4|. The tool head 4| is equipped with a face milling cutter 42 driven by a motor 39 and an angular or beveled milling cutter 43 driven by a motor 44 in well known manner. The cutter 42 is mounted on the head for independent axial adjustment and the cutter 43 is adjustable axially as well as vertically to determine the amount of bevel. The position of the cutters is such that the cutter 42 removes a thin layer of metal from the side surface of the work piece while the cutter 43 bevels the adjacent lower edge asthe work piece is traversed past the tools. .The headis thus supported for movement toward-and from thetable 33 to permit retraction of the ools when the table is returned to the loading station. In the machine illustrated, movement of the head is effected by a piston 45 operating in a cylinder 46' and operatively connected with the head by a piston rod 41. Similar mechanism including a piston 45, cylinder 46 and piston rod 41'- is provided for the right-hand head 4|. Pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders 46 and 46 by a pressure fiuid pump 48 (Fig. 9) under control of a valve VI having a plunger 49 shiftable to alternate positions by solenoids VS-I and VS-2. A similar valve V-l actuated by solenoids VS-l' and VS2 controls the supply of pressure fluid to cylinder 46 of the right-hand head 4!".

The right-hand head 4| is equipped with cutters 42* and 43 similar to the cutters 42 and 43 and driven by suitable motors 3!! and 44. It will be observed, however, that the relative positions of the cutters 42 and 43* differ from the positions of the cutters on the head 4| in that the angular cutter 43 is disposed above the axis of the cutter 42 so as to operate on the adjacent upper edge of the work piece. This arrangement of the tools makes it possible to machine the four sides and the four corners of the billet in two passes of the billet past the metal removing'units, the billet being turned on its longitudinal axis through an angle of ninety degrees after the first passage. Other arrangements of the cutters may, of course, be employed.

Suitable means is provided for carrying away the metal chips removed from the work pieces.

As herein shown, this means comprises a pair of conveyors, preferably of the endless chain type having vanes 50 and 5|! operating in channelshaped metal troughs 5| and 5| arranged on opposite sides of the central frame section 32 below the side edges of the work table 33 as shown in Figs. 1 and 6. These conveyors may be driven in any suitable manner so as to keep the metal removing unit free of chips while the machine is in operation.

In order to hold the work rigid while the cutters of the metal removing unit are performing their scalping and beveling operations, the work table 33 may be equipped with a suitable fixture embodying means for clamping the work piece securely in place. As herein shown, the fixture includes a base 52, which may vary in thickness to accommodate different sizes of billets, bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to the table 33. The base carries a horizontally disposed platform 53 for supporting the work piece. Rising from opposite ends of the base are vertical columns 54 and 55 connected at their upper ends by a rigid horizontal bridging member 56 which serves to support the work clamping. The bridging member is disposed above the platform 53 and spaced therefrom so as to provide sufiicient room for a billet 25 to be placed on the platform.

While clamping means of any suitable character may be. employed, it is preferred to utilize an hydraulically-operated mechanism for this purpose since it is quick acting, efiicient and reliable in operation and readilyadjustable for use with billets of different sizes or shapes. As shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 9-, the clamping means comprises a series of vertically disposed plungers 51, each guided for movement toward and from the platform 53 by a bearing 58. carried on the bridging member 56. Each plunger 5'! is connectedby a piston rod 59 with a piston operating in a cylinder 60 closed by a cap 6| bolted or otherwise secured to the bridging member 56 directly above the associated bearing 58. Seven of the plungers 81 and associated cylinders 88 are provided in the machine illustrated (see Fig. 8), although it will be understood that the number may be varied according to the character of the work pieces to be operated on.

Pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders 88 by a pressure fluid pump 82 (Fig. 9) under control of a valve V-.-2 having a plunger 88 shiftable to either of two positions by solenoids VS-3 and VS-4.' Thus, when the valve plunger is shifted to one position by the solenoid VS-3, pressure fluid is introduced into the upper end of the cylinders and the plungers are forced downwardly into engagement with the work piece 25 as shown in Fig. 3, to clamp the same rigidly to the platfornifl. To release the work piece, the valve plunger 88 is shifted to its other position by'the solenoid VSl whereby pressure fluid is introduced into the lower endof each cylinder 88 to withdraw the plungers from engagement with the work. A check valve 88 interposed in the hydraulic circuit leading to the lower ends of the clamping cylinders serves to counteract the weight of the pistons, rods and plungers.

The billet-handling mechanism is constructed and arranged so as to permit large and heavy billets to be handled with ease with a minimum number of attendants. To this end, it includes suitable, runways or conveyors alongside the table bed for carrying billets to and from the loading station, power operated means for transferring billets between the runways and the work table, and means for turning the billets on their longitudinal axes through an angle of ninety degrees so that the different side surfaces may be presented in operative relation to the tools of the metal removing units. I

The billet-handling mechanism in its preferred form comprises duplicate units 88 and 88 disposed on opposite sides of the loading station, that is, the table when retracted away from the metal removing units. For convenience of identiflcation, the 'loading'units 88 and 88 will be referred to hereinafter as the left hand unit and right hand unit, respectively. While the operating units are structurally separate in the,present instance, their actions are coordinated to enable them to cooperate in transferring the work pieces to and from the work table 88 and in positioning the work accurately thereon for proper engagement with the metal working tools.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, and '1, the left-hand wheel engageable with a worm-l8 fast on a horizontal shaft 14 journaled on the base 61. Rotation of the shaft 14 is preferably effected manually through the medium of a handwheel 15 (Fig. 6) fast on one end of a shaft 18 which carries a. bevel gear TI meshing with a bevel gear 18 keyed to the shaft 14. Thus, by turning the handwheel 15, the base 81 and the entire operating unit 86 may be moved toward or from the work table 33.

The conveyoror'runway, which alsoconstitutes an element of the operating unit, is provided for .moving billets into position for loading on the work table, and likewise for receiving billets after discharge from the machine. As herein shown, the runway is disposed generally centrally of the base 81 and parallel to the reciprocatory path of the work table 33. To facilitate movement of the billets into or out of loading position, the runway is preferably equipped with rollers 8| journaled on angular brackets 82 and 83 bolted or otherwise secured to the base 81. Any suitable means, such as a conveyor or the like, may be utilized for delivering billets to the runway and for removing them therefrom, Movement of a billet into proper loading position on the rollers 8| is limited by a stop 8| (Fig. 2).

The structure above described for the left-hand unit 88 is duplicated in the right-hand unit 66, and a detailed description of the latter unit is therefore unnecessary. However, for convenience of identification corresponding parts of the unit 68 have been designated by similar reference characters with the sufflx a added.

a series of transfer members in the form of push rods 84 (Figs. 1 and 7) supported on the base 81 at one side of the runway for movement in a horizontal plane transversely of the runway. The

I push rods are all alike, each comprising an elon- 81 is mounted on transverse ways 88 formed on v the forward end of the frame section II at one side of the loading station. A scale (not shown) is provided to enable the base to be set for a billet of selected size.

gated body of generally rounded cross section having rackteeth 85 cut in one side for a purpose to be described presently. The forward end of the push rod, that is, the end adjacent the runway, terminates in a' removable tip 86 (Fig. 21) preferably rounded so as not to mar the surface of the work. Since the tips are removable, they may be readily replacedwhen worn, or tips of different lengths may be used interchangeably to adapt the mechanism for transferring and positioning billets of different sizes and shapes.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and 7, each push rod 84 is-slidably supported for endwise movement in an elongated bearing 81 formed integrally with a housing 88 secured to the base 81 at one side of the runway. Preferably, the housings 88 of the respective push rods are secured in place on the base by means of headed bolts operating in T-slots 88 which permit convenient adjustment of .the relative spacing of the rods. The transfer mechanism can therefore be adjusted readily for operation onbillets of different lengths. In order to protect the bearing surfaces of the push rods from dirt or other foreign matter and for purposes of safety,

Adjustment of the left-hand unit'is effected,

closed in each housing and having a splined driving connection with the shaft 9| is a pinion 92 meshing with the rack teeth 85 of the associated push rod. Thus, upon rotation of the shaft 9I in one direction, the push rods will be advanced or projected toward the runway and work table while upon rotation of the shaft in the other direction the rods will be retracted.

While any suitable actuator may be employed for rotating the shaft 9|, it is preferred to employ hydraulic means for this purpose for the reasons hereinbefore explained. Herein, the actuator comprises a piston 93 (Fig. 6) operating in a vertically disposed cylinder 94 secured to a depending portion 95 of the rear web 1| of the base 61. The piston 93 is connected by a piston rod 96 with a rack 91 slidably supported and guided in a suitable bearing 98 carried on a bracket 99 projecting upwardly from the base 61. The rack 91 is arranged to mesh with a pinion I keyed to the shaft 9|. closes the upper end of the rack to protect the bearing surfaces from dirt or other foreign material.

Pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinder 94 by the pump 46 under control of a reversing valve V3 (Fig. 9) having a plunger I02 shiftable between two positions. With the valve in one position, pressure fluid is admitted to the lower end of the cylinder whereby the piston 93 is forced upwardly and its associated rack operates to rotate the shaft 9| in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 6, and retract the push rods 84 to withdrawn position. Upon shifting of the valve plunger I02 to the other position, pressure fluid introduced into the upper end of the cylinder moves the piston in the opposite direction to advance the push rods toward the work table whereby to push the billet from the runway onto the table. A stop screw I03 carried by the rack 91 engageable with a fixed stop I04 on the frame structure serves to limit the upward stroke of the piston and thus determines the extent of rearward movement of thepush rods. This limit position may be adjusted as required by varying the position of the screw I03. The outward movement of the push rods 84 is determined by a stop screw I05 attached to the upper end of the rack 91 (Fig. 1) which also cooperates with the stop I04 thus confining the travel of the push rods within fixed limits.

A separate control valve V3 is provided for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to the cylinder 94 for advancing and retracting the push rods 84 of the companion operating unit 66. This valve, like the valve V-3, has a plunger I02 adapted to be shifted between two positions in timed relation to the operation of the other valves of the machine. The transfer mechanisms, in addition to their transfer function, are also utilized to position the work piece or billet on the work table and to hold it securely in position until the billet clamping means is brought into action. To this end, the push rods of each operating unit are initially advanced to engage a billet, and then the pressure on one set of push rods is partially relieved to enable the other set with the ends of the other push rods, thereby insuring extremely accurate positioning of the bil let.

hydraulic circuit of the operating cylinder 94 as will appear presently. The billet turning mechanism which consti- A tubular sleeve or guard IOI en- The means for accomplishing this result includes a ball check valve I06 interposed in the tutes the third mechanism of the operating unit is preferably disposed between the billet runway and the loading station of the metal removing unit so that billets can be transferred from one to the other by simply shifting them laterally. The turning mechanism in its preferred form comprises a series of radially extending arms I01 and I08 arranged in opposed pairs upon a common rock shaft I09 as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8. As herein shown, the shaft I09 extends generally parallel to the billet runwaysand is iournaled in suitable bearings carried by brackets IIO bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to a horizontally disposed shelf or ledge I I I projecting from the forward end of the base 61. The shaft is so positioned that the arms I01 when rocked to a horizontal position extend across the runway with their upper surfaces disposed in a plane slightly below the plane defined by the upper edges of the rollers BI. With the arms in this position, billets may be moved along the runway without interference from the turning mechanism.

The companion arms I08 of the several pairs are arranged to extend across the gap between the runway and the work receiving platform 53 and the table 33. They thus provide a slideway for the transfer of billets laterally of their lengths from the runway onto the table. As will be seen by reference to Fig. 6, the arms I08 are formed with a flange or bearing surface I I2 along one edge, which flange is adapted to lie in the same plane as the rollers BI and the table platform 53 when the arm is rocked to a horizontal position as shown in Fig. 1. In order to support the arm in this position and to avoid placing undue strain upon the shaft I09 and associated parts, the arm is formed with an abutment II 3 adapted to rest on a supporting bracket 1 I4 carried on the ledge I I I.

When the turning mechanism is used for turning billets, the arms I01 and I08 of each pair are preferably angularly spaced ninety degrees apart so that one arm serves to lift the billet from its resting place, while the other arm prevents the billet from sliding out of position during the turning operation and also acts to lower the billet in a manner such as to prevent marring of the same or damage to the machine. In order to prevent the arms from interfering with the transfer of billets from the runway to the work table and vice versa, means is provided whereby both arms may be positioned simultaneously in the same horizontal plane as shown in Fig. 1. To this end, one arm of each pair is disengageably associated with the shaft I09 while the other arm may be rigidly secured to the shaft.

In the particular mechanism shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the arm I08 of each pair is keyed to the shaft I09, while the arm I01 is disengageably connected with the shaft by means of a positively acting clutchuncluding a shiftable clutch element II 5 in the form of a sleeve slidably but non- .rotatably mounted on the shaft. The face of the clutch element H5 is formed with diametrically disposed lugs or clutch teeth II6 adapted to engage in correspondingly shaped radial slots in the adjacent face of the arm I01. Thus, by shifting the clutch elements I I5 longitudinally of theshaft I09, the arms I01 may be operatively connected with the shaft for rotation therewith. When the clutch elements are disengaged when the arms I01 are in the position shown in Fig. 6,

the shaft may be rotated to position the companion arms in a horizontal position without disturbing the first mentioned arms. Thus, a clear gipath is, provided for the transfer ,of a billet from i the runway to the work table. I

The shifting of the clutch elements 'usinto orout of en agement with the turning arms I01 may be .e'fiected by any suitable means. As herein shown, hydraulic means is employed, this novel method which utilizes the machine equip 'ment to best advantage and which reduces handling of the billets to a minimum. In accordance with this method, afbillet is given an initial pass including apiston Ill (Fig. 2)operatingjin a connected wttn'eomten shifting bar us (Fig. 4) which extends parallel to the shaft I09 and which is slidably supported in bearings'formed in the supporting brackets I III immediately below the shaft. Pinned to the bar H9 adjacent each clutch element II5 is an'operating member I cylinder 8 mounted on the base 61 adjacent one end of the shaft I09. The piston'is suitably thus completing the surfacing of the having spaced arms I2I' engaging in a peripheral" groove 122 in the element II5. The clutch elements S are thus free to rotate with the shaft through the metal removing unit thereby simul- 1 taneously scalping opposite sides and-beveling diagonallybpposite corners. The billet is then turned about its longitudinal axis through an angle'of ninety degrees and passed through the metal removing unit in this new position. In. the

second pass, the other two sides of the billet are scalped and the other two corners are. beveled, billet in two passes through the machine. To avoid unnecessary handling of the billets, transfer of a partially'or a completelymachined billet from the worktable to the turning mechanism is effected simultaneously with and as an inand'are movable longitudinally of the shaft upon cident to the transfer of a billet from one of the runways or turning mechanisms to the 'work I table. In other words, as on billet is pushed onto the worktable, the partially or fully machined companion operating unit-.66". The operation of these valves will be described in detailin connection with the description-of the hydraulic circuit of the machine.-

Rotation of the shaft I09 to rock the arms I01 and I08 for turning the billet is effected in the present instance by hydraulically actuated means including a piston I (Fig. 2) operating, in a cylinder I26 supported at the rearpof the basejl. The piston I25 is connected by a piston rod I21 with a rack I20 engaging a pinion I29. keyed to the shaft I09, as shown in Fig. 4. A housing I30, formed on a bracket I3I bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to one end of the base encloses the pinion and acts as a support and, guide for the rack. v

The right hand unit 66% is equipped with turning mechanism similar in all respects to the mechanism of the unit 66 including the hydraulic cylinder I26 and piston I25 'for' rotating the turning arm rock shaft I09. Pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders I26 and I26 by the pump through a common. control valve V-S r having a plunger I32 shiftable between two positions whereby'the mechanisms are operated in understoodby reference to the control system the essential elements of which are illustrated in billet previously operated on is pushed off the table and'onto the turning mechanism. In case the first billet is only partially machined, it is turned through an angled ninety degrees, and

after the second billet has completed its first passage through the metal removing unit the said first billet is pushed back onto the work table, while the partially machined second billet is discharged onto the turning mechanism. After the second passage of the first billet through the metal removing unit and when the billet is completely machined, it is transferred from the work table tothe turning mechanism while thesecond billet is transferred to the work table. The first billet is then removed from the machine in any suitable manner while the third billet is positioned on the runway and so' on until-the entire lot of diagrammatic form'in Fig. 9. The complete hydraulic system of the machine has been shown together with such portions of the electrical equipment as are essential to'an understanding of the operation. The control circuits and apent sequence of operations may be used depending on the character of thework to be done.

The control system is arrangedwith a particuoperation to be performed on billets of generally rectangular cross section in accordance with a which may be of any. suitable character.

billets is machined to finished condition.

The particular control system illustrated is de- I initiated in proper sequence by a sequence controller indicated generally at I (Figs. 8 and 9) For the purpose ofillustration, the controller is shown as including a cam shaft I42 on which'are mounted suitable cams I43, I44 and I45 for operating the valves V3,,V--3'- and V4, and a series of cams I4 6 for actuating electrical switches S-I,

S-I ,&2, 3-2", 8-3, 5-4; 8-5, 8-5", 5-6, 8-6 and 5-1 to control the various solenoid operated valves. The cams are shaped so as to exert their controlling actions in different angulalr positions of the cam shaft, there being twenty ,one such positions, or one for each step inthemachine cycle. For the convenience of the attendant, these steps are indicated by numerals I I-2I on a dial I40 with which a pointer I49 on the cam shaft cooperates. Means, of a character well known in the art' but not shown herein, may be ing cycle, the driving motors 39, 30", 44 and 44 of themetal removing unit are started inthe usual lar view of enabling the scalping and beveling manner. Motors 'I5I and 152, which drive the also started so as to provide a supply of pressure fluid in the hydraulic system. It will be understood that the work table 83 is stopped in retracted or loading DQSition at this time.

The sequencecontrol device or cam shaft I42 is located in the first position in which switches S--2, 8-2 -4, 8-5, 5-6 and S,'! are closed.

Plungers I02 and I82 of valves V-3 and V5 are shifted to their upper positions, and plunger I02 of valve V-l is shifted to its lower. position as shown in Fig. 9. Upon application ofenergizing current, the switch S--'l energizes the solenoid VS-.-I which opens main valve V- -6 to direct pressure fluid from the pump 48 into a supply line I53 leading to the various control valves. Closure of the remaining switches energizes the valve operating, solenoids VS--2, VS-2, VS--4, VS-B and V S 9'- which operate their associated valves V- -I, V-I, V2, V- 4 and V-4 to the positions shown in Fig. 9. With the valves thus set, the clamping plungers 51 are withdrawn'to. un-

The push rods 84! cooperate to hold the billet tightly against the tips 85 until the billets are clamped.

-Movement of the cam shaft I42 third posi- I tion is effective only to close the switch 8- -3 which energizes solenoid VS3 and reverses the valve V-2. As a result, pressure fluid is directed into the upper ends of the clamping cylinders 60 clamping position, the tool heads and 4I of the metal "removingunits ,:.-are retracted, the

vanced. Valve V5 directs pressure fluid to the inner ends of the cylinders I and I26 thus causing the shafts I09 and I09 of both turning mechanisms to be rocked to a position in which the turning arms I08 and I08 are horizontal. Since the clutches II5 are disengaged, the arms I0'| remain in their normal position as shown in Fig. 10, while the arms I0I' are rocked to a vertical position as shown in this figure. The first billet 25 may now be pushed along the runway BI to position it for transfer laterally onto the work table. The billet, having been properly located on th runway against the stop 8!, the cam shaft I42 may be steppedto its second position. The condition of the various electrical switches is unchanged, but the plunger I02 of valve V-3 is shifted to its alternate position to introduce pressure fluid into the outer end of the cylinder 94 and thus advance the left hand set push rods 84. The plunger I02 of valve V3 is shifted to an intermediate position in which it blocks the ports to which the line I53 is connected, and connects rods 84 continues to, advance the billet and force the push rods 84 back thus moving the piston 93* toward the inner end of the cylinder 94, and exhausting the trapped pressure fluid against the resistance of the check valve I06 to the drain branch line I54 and thence to the opposite end of the cylinder 94. The force required to Push back the rods 84 is determined by'the setting of the valve I05 which can be adjusted as required in a well known manner. The billet is accurately located upon the work table when the push rods 84 reach their'limit positions, the exact position being determined by the length of the tips 86.

and the v plungers 51 are thereby forced downs wardly to clamp the billet in place upon the work table. The apparatus is now in the condition shown in Fig, 11.

As soon as the work is rigidly clamped in place.

the controller is turned to the fourth position in which the plungers of both transfer valves V3 and V-l are shifted to direct pressure fluid into the outer ends of the transfer cylinders 84 and 94'. Both sets of push rods are therefore retracted.

In the next or fifth position of the controller I, switches S-2 and S2' are opened, deenergizing'solenoids VS-2 and VS2 and switches S-I and -s- I- areclosed,--energizing solenoids VSI and VS-i. Valves V-I and V-I are accordingly operated to their alternate positions whereby the tool heads 4i and 4I are advanced to operative position. The valve V-5 is also operated to its alternate position which causes the shafts I09 and I09 of both turning mechanisms to rotateand turn the arms I08 and I08 to a vertical position as shown in Fig. 12.

The movement of the shaft I09 above referred to may be utilized conveniently for initiating the table movement at this stage of the operating cycle. For this purpose, the shaft is provided with a cam I55 (Fig. 2) adapted to actuate a feed control switch I56 when the shaft reaches its limit position. It will be understood, of course, that the control switch I55 is interconnected in the control circuit of the metal removing unit so billet positioned on the work table is avoided.

The table is moved first at rapid traverse speed to approach the cutters and then at feed speed which carries the billet 25 into operative relation with the cutters 42, 42 43 and 43, which simultaneously scalp opposite side surfaces and bevel diagonally opposite corners of the same (see Fig. 12). While this operation is taking place, the attendant may push the second billet 25 onto the left hand runway and prepare the same for loading onto the table. After the table has carried the billet past the cutters and stopped, the cam shaft is turned to the sixth position. The switches 5-2 and S-Z are thereby opened and the switches SI and S-i closed causing shifting of the valves V-I and V--I Thetool heads 4| and M are thus retracted so that thework can be returned to the loading station without danger of being marred by the cutters. The valve V-5 is also operated at this timethus causing the shafts I09 and I09 to turn the arms I08 and I08 back to their horizontal position. Due to'the disengagement of the clutch H5, the arms I01 remain in horizontal position so that the billet 25 may be transferred to the work table. The clutch H5 is, however, engaged and the arms I0'I are raised to vertical position as shown in Fig. 13. As an incident to rotation of the shaft I09, the cam I55 restores the switch I56 (Fig. 8)

vance the right-hand push rods 84 preparatory to transferring the two billets heretofore delivered to the machine. The cam shaft is then stepped to ninth position in which the plunger I02 of valve V3 is moved back to its intermediateposition while the valve V3 is fully operated to advance the left-hand push rods 84. The billet 25 is thus transferred to the work table, while the partially machined first billet 25 is pushed through the intermediary of the second billet off from the work table into the right-hand turning mechanism. The push rods 84 yield at this time due to the action of the check valve I08 in the hydraulic circuit of the transfer cylinder 94.

With billet 25 properly located on the work table, the cam shaft is stepped to its tenth position in which valve VZ is set to operate the clamping plungers 51. The apparatus is now in the position shown in Fig. 13. When the cam shaft is stepped .to the eleventh position, valves V3 and Vt are set to retract both sets of push rods.

In the twelfth position of the cam shaft, valve V-5 is set so that the shafts I09 and I08 turn the arms I08 and I08 to a vertical position. Since billet- 25 was previously transferred to the right-hand turning mechanism, it is lifted by the arms I08 and turned through an angle of ninety degrees in "this operation. Shaft I00, on completing its movement, initiates the feed of the table in the manner previously described, whereby the billet 05 is given its first pass through the metal removing unit. The position of 'the various mechanismsat this stage of machine cycle is shown in Fig. 14. In this position of the controller shaft, the switches S5 and S5 are closed and the switches 8-6 and S8' opened. As best shown in Fig. 8, these switches are ineffective due to the open switch I58. This switch is actuated by a cam I51 on the shaft I08 which, when the arms I08 reach a vertical position, will close the switch I58 thereby causing the solenoids VS-S and VS-5 to be energized and shift their respective valves. In this position, the piston III will be moved outwardly to disengage the clutch II'5 while the piston III will be moved inwardly to engage the left hand clutch H5.

The cam shaft is now stepped to thirteenth position in which it causes the shafts I09 and I09 to turn the arms I08 and I08 to a horizontal position. Since the clutch H5 is engaged, arms I'l are turned to a vertical position. Arms I01, however, remain in a horizontal position so that billet 2 may be returned to the work table by the right-hand transfer mechanism. Also, the heads 4| and 4| are retracted and the table returned as previously described.

The cam shaft is then stepped to fourteenth position in which'the valve Y-! is set to unclamp the billet. With the work table at the loading station, the cam shaft is stepped to fifteenth position, operating the valve V3 to advance the left-hand set of push'rods 84 into engagement with the billet on the work table. In the I02 of valve V3 is set in its intermediate position and valve V3 is set to advance the righthand set of push rods 84. The latter push the partially machined billet 25 back onto the work table and through the medium of this billet transfer the second partially machined billet 25 laterally off from the work table onto the lefthand turning mechanism. Push rods 84 yield at this time but exert suflicient back pressure to insure accurate positioning of the billet 25 on the work table due to the action of the check valve I08. The apparatus is now in the condition shown in Fig. 15.

In order to clamp the billet 25 on the work table, the cam shaft is stepped to seventeenth position. In the eighteenth position, both sets of push rods are retracted. In the nineteenth position, the switches S-5 and S--5 are closed and the switches S-6 and S--5 are opened and the turning mechanisms operate to raise the arms I08 and I08 to a vertical position. Billet 25 is turned through an angle of ninety degrees'in this operation and is deposited on the left-hand rimway. Shaft I09 starts the feed mechanism. while the shaft I08 energizes the right-hand clutch H5 and disengages the left-hand clutch I I5, as previously explained, upon the completion of the turning operation, and billet 25 is thus given its second and final pass through the metal removing unit whereby the two remaining side surfaces are scalped and the two remaining corners are beveled. The condition of the apparatus at this time is shown in Fig. 16.

At the termination of the feed cycle, the cam shaft is stepped to the twentieth position and the turning arms I08 and I08 are returned to a horizontal position, the heads retracted, and the table returned. The cam shaft is stepped to its twenty-first or last position to uncl-amp the billet 25.

Billet 25 is returned to the loading station completely machined and still supported on the work table, thus marking the end of the first operating cycle of the machine. The next operating cycle is a repetition of the one above described. Briefly, it involves the transfer of the billet 25 to the work table and the simultaneous transfer of billet 25 to the right-hand turning mechanism as shown in Fig. 17. The turning mechanisms are operated, thus depositing the billet 25 on the right-hand runway from which it may be removed in any suitable manner. In the meantime, a third billet 25 is moved into position on the left-hand runway to await transfer to the work table. v

After the second billet 25 is given its second and final pass'through the metal removing unit, it is discharged onto the right-hand turning mechanism while the third billet 25 is transferred to the work table asshown in Fig. 19. This sequence of operations isrepeated until all of the billets are properly surfaced, the billets being machined successively. Each billet'is given two passes through the'metal removing unit and is turned through an angl'e'of ninety degrees between such passes. All four side surfaces are scalped and all 'four corners are beveled in this operation-and the finished billet is discharged ontothe right-hand runway.

Flg.'20 illustrates the manner of scalping and unit, there being four such passages with a.

ninety degree turn of the billet between each an inoperative position. In order to aline the billet properly with respect to the cutters 42 and 43, the push rods 84 of the right-hand set are provided with tips 86 of progressively increasing lengths. Thus, when the billet is initially placed on the worktable, it is held between the two sets of push rods with one face and corner disposed in a plane parallel to the path of the cutters 42 and 43. No change is required in the clamping mechanism since the clamping plungers 51 are provided with individual cylinders and the length of stroke is thus independent. The transfer of the billets between the runways, tables, and turning mechanisms andthe turning operations are carried out in the same manner as for straight billets, except that each billet must be turned four times.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention provides a novel and efiicient method of handling and scalping and beveling large metal billets together with novel and improved mechanism for carrying out the method. The scalping and beveling operation is carried out quickly and efliciently with a minimum number of handling operations.- Since one billet may be inserted inv the machine and handled preparatory to loading onto the table while another bil let is being scalped, the necessary positioning and handling operations may be performed on one or more billets while another is occupying the work table. Thus, the equipment is utilized efllciently and a maximum production capacity is obtained.

The novel method above described forms the 6 subject matter of my copending divisional application, Serial No. 349,172, filed August 1, 1940.

I claim as my invention: 1. In a billet scalping machine, in combination, a metal removing unit having a reciprocatory work table adapted to be withdrawn to a loading station, billet handling mechanism at said station comprising a pair of runways located respectively on opposite sides of the table and extending generally parallel to the reciprocatory path of the table for carrying billets to and from the machine, billet turning mechanism located betweenv each runway and the table, billet transferring and positioning mechanisms including two sets of elongatedmembers supported respec tively adjacent said runways for movement transversely of the runways and turning mechanlsms, means for operating one set of members extending generally parallel to the reciprocatory path of the table for carrying billets to and from the machine,.bi1let turning mechanism located between each runway and the table, billet transferring mechanisms supported respectively adjacentv said runways for movement transversely of the runways andturning mechanisms, means for operating one of said transfer mechanisms to transfer. a billet from the associated runway to the work table, means for reciprocating the table to carry the billet into operative relation to,the metal removing unit and back tothe loading station, means for reoperating said one transfer mechanism to transfer a second billet from the associated runway to the work table and simultaneously transfer the first mentioned billet from the turning mechanism on the opposite side of the table, means for operating said turning mechanism to turn the first .billet through an angle of ninety degrees and deposit the same on the other runway, and means for operating the second transfer mechanism to return the first billet to the work table and to simultaneously transfer the second billet from the runway to the other turning mechanism.

3. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in combination, a metal removing unit having a ,translatory work table movable to a loading station at one end of the machine, billet handling means including a runway for billets disposed at one side of the loading station, a series of elongated horizontally disposed transfer members slidably supported atone side of the runway for movement over the runway towardsaid work table, a rack formed on each member, a shaft extending across the members and having keyed thereto a series of pinions meshing with said racks, means for rotating said shaft comprising an hydraulic cylinder and a piston reciprocable therein, a piston rod reciprocable with said piston, a rack formed on said piston rod, and a pinion keyed to said shaft and meshing with the rack on said piston rod, said/piston rod actin through said pinion to rotate said shaft firstin one direction to advance the members and transfer a billet from the runway to the table and then; in the other direction to retract the members. I

4. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in

, combination, a metal removing unit .having a to transfer a billet laterally'from the associated runway to the work table, means for reciprocating the table to carry the billet into operative relation to the metal removing unit and back to the loading station, means for reoperating said one set of members to transfer the billet laterally'from the work table to the turning mechanism on the opposite side of the table, means for operating said turning mechanism to turn translatory work'table movable to a loading station at one end of the machine, billet handling means including a runway for billets disposed at one side of the loading station, a series of elongated horizontally disposed transfer members slidabiy supported at one side of the runway for movement over the runway toward said work the billet through'an angle of ninety degrees and to deposit the same on the other runway, and means for operating the second set of members to return the billet to the work table for another passage through the metalworking unit.

2. In a billet scalping machine, in combinatable, a rack formed on each member, a shaft extending across the members and having keyed thereto a series of pinions meshing with said racks, means for rotating said shaft comprising .a vertically disposed rod having a rack formed thereon, a pinion keyed to said shaft and meshing with said rack, and hydraulically actuated means for reciprocating said rod to rotate the shaft to advance and retract said members.-

5. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in

:combination, a metal removing unit having a tion, a metal removing unit having a reciprocatory work table adapted to be withdrawn to a loading station, billet handling mechanism at said station comprising a pair of runways located translatory work table "movable to a loading station atone end of the machine, billet handling means including a runway for billets disposed at one side of the loading station, a series of elongated horizontally disposed transfer members slidablv supported at one side of the runway means including a runway for billets disposed at one side of the loading station, a series of'elongated horizontally disposed transfer members slidably supported at one side of the runway for movement over the runway toward said work table, a shaft extending across said members and having an operative connection with each member, and power actuated means operable to rotate said shaft and thereby advance the members to transfer a billet from the runway to the work table.

7. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in combination, a metal removing unit having a translatory work table movable to a loading station at one end of the machine, billet handling means including a runway for billets disposed at one side of the loading station, a series of elongated horizontally disposed transfer members slidably supported at one side of the runway for movement over the runway toward said work table, a shaft extending across said members and having an operative connection with each memher, and means for rotating said shaft to advance said members simultaneously and thereby transfer a billet from the runway to the work table.

8. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in combination, a metal removing unit having a translatory work table movable to a loading station at one end, of the machine, billet handling means including a runway for billets disposed at one side of the loading station, a series of elongated horizontally disposed transfer members slidably supported at one side of the runway for movement over the runway toward said work table, and a common actuator for operating said members simultaneously to transfer a billet from the runway to the work table.

9. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in combination, a metal removing unit having a cutter positioned to operate on opposite sides of a bar, a work support movable from a loading station to carry a bar into operative relation to the cutter, a runway for conveying an unfinished bar to the loading station, power-actuated means for transferring the bar from said runway to said table, a second runway for conveying the finished bar away from the loading station, and

a bar turning mechanism located between the table and said second runway operative to turn the bar about its longitudinal axis through an angle such as to present a different side 'of the bar for operation of said cutter thereon.

the loading station, said power-actuated mechanism being operative to transfer a finished bar from the work table to said second runway.

11. In a machine for surfacing metal bars, in combination, a metal removing unit having cutters positioned for operating on opposite sides of a bar simultaneously, a loading support, a work support mounted alongside said loading support and movable to carry a bar longitudinally past said cutters, means for delivering a bar to the loading support, power-actuated means for transferring the bar sidewise from said loading support to said table and for removing the bar sidewise therefrom, and power-actuated means for turning the transferred bar on its longitudinal axis through an angle of ninety degrees.

12. In a billet scalping machine, in combination, a metal removing unit having a reciprocatory work table adapted to be withdrawn to a loading station, billet handling mechanism at said station comprising a pair of runways located respectively on opposite sides of the table and extending generally parallel to the reciprocatory path of the table for carrying billets to and from the machine, billet turning mechanism located between each runway and the table, and

billet transferring and positioning mechanisms including two sets of elongated members sup ported respectively adiacent said runways for movement transversely of the runways and turn- I ing mechanisms, one set of members acting to 10, In a machine for surfacing metal bars,

in combination, a metal removing unit having cutters positioned for operating on opposite sides of a bar simultaneously, a work support movable from a loading station to carry a bar into, operative relation to the cutteis, a runway for conveying an unfinishedbar to the loading station, power-actuated means for transferring the bar from said runway to said table, and a second runway for conveying the finished bariaway from transfer a billet first from the associated runway to the work table and then from the work table to the turning mechanism on the opposite side of the table, the other set of members onposing the first set of members to position the billet accurately on the table and on the turning mechanism.

13. In a billet scalping machine, in combination, a metal removing unit having a work table movable into a loading station, billet handling mechanism at said station comprising groups of elongated horizontally disposed members supported respectively on opposite sides of the table for movement toward and from the table, power actuated means for advancing the members of both groups to position a billet on the work table, and means for relieving the pressure on one set of members to enable the other set of members to push the billet.

14. In a machine for scalping billets, in combination, a scalping tool, a loading station, a pair of runways for conveying billets to and from the station, a carriage movable to carry "a billet from said station to said tool andto return the billet to the station, a transfer mech= anism associated with each runway operative to transfer a billet from the runway to said carriage and to simultaneously transfer a previously loaded billet from the carriage to the other runway, one of said mechanisms yielding to the pressure exerted by the other in. the transfer of'said billets.

15. In a billet scalping machine, in combina tion, a metal removing unit having a work table movable into a loading station, billet handlin mechanism at said station comprising groups of elongated horizontally disposed members sup ported respectively on opposite sides of the table for movement toward and from the table, hydraulically operated means for advancing said members to exert pressure simultaneously on opposite sides of a billet on the table and thereby position the billet.

16. In amachine for scalping billets, in combination, a scalpingtool, a loading station, runways on opposite sides of said station for conveying billets to and from the station, a carriage movable to carry a billet from said station to said tool and to return the billet to the station, a transfer mechanism associated with each runway operative to transfer a billet from the runway to said carriage and to simultaneously transfer a previously loaded billet from the car; riage to the other runway, said mechanisms operating alternately to load and unload the carriage.

17. In a machine for scalping billets, in comcarriage movable to carry a billet from said sta-- tion to said tool and to return the billet to the station, runways on opposite sides of said station for delivering billets thereto, and power actuated means for transferring billets from either runway to the carriage and from the carriage to either runway, both of said power actuated means cooperating to position each billet on said carriage.

19. In a machine for scalping billets, in combination, a scalping tool, a loading and unloading station, a carriage movable tocarry a billet from said station to said tool and to return the billet to the station, power actuated means at said station for placing billets on the carriage and for removing them from the carriage, and turning mechanism at said station for turning a billet on its longitudinal axis.

20. In a machine for surfacing billets, in combination, a metal removing unit including relatively movable work and tool supports and a billet turning mechanism disposed atone side of the work support comprising a shaft, means for rotating the shaft, a series of radially projecting arms mounted on said shaft, said arms being arranged in pairs with one arm of each pair keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith, and means for disengageably connecting the other arms to said shaft.

21. A scalping machine having, in combination, relatively movable work and tool supports, a scalping tool on the tool support for operating upon a work piece on the work support, pushers on opposite sides of said work support engageable with opposite sides of a work piece to shift the same laterally onto or off from said support, and means by which the opposite pushers may be operated selectively.

22. A scalping machine having, in combination, relatively movable work and tool supports,

a scalping tool on the tool support for operating upon a work piece on the work support,'pushers on opposite sides of said work support engageable with opposite sides of a work piece to shift the same laterally onto or off from said support, independently operable fluid pressure actuators for the respective pushers, one of said pushers and its actuator constituting a yieldable abutment for holding a work piece against the other piece on its longitudinal axis and deposit the same on said runway.

24. A scalping machine having, in combination, relatively movable work and tool supports,

a cutter on the tool support for scalping a work piece held on the work support, a runway extending alongside said work support and spaced therefrom, and a turning mechanism disposed between said work support and said runway for receiving a work piece shifted laterally from the work support and operable to turn the work piece on its longitudinal axis, said mechanism comprising two arms swingable about adjacent pivots extending longitudinally of said runway, and selectively operable means by which said arms may be connected for movement individually or in unison.

25. A scalping machine having, in combination, relatively movable work and tool supports, a cutter on the tool support for scalping a work piece held on the work support, a runway extending alongside said work support and spaced therefrom, a pair of arms swingable about adjacent pivots disposed between said work support and runway and engageable with a work piece to turn the same on its longitudinal axis, said arms when swung into substantial alinement providing a skid across which a work piece may be slid laterally between the work support and said runway.

26. In a machine for surfacing billets, in combination, a metal removing unit including relatively movable work and tool supports and a billet turning mechanism disposed at one side of the work support comprising a shaft, means for rotating the shaft, a series of radially projecting arms mounted on said shaft, said arms being arranged in pairs with one arm of each pair keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith, a se-- ries of clutches for disengageably connecting the other arms to said shaft, and common means for engaging and disengaging said clutches.

27. In a machine for surfacing billets, in combination, a metal removing unit including relatively movable work and tool' supports and a billet turning mechanism disposed at one side of Q the work support comprising a shaft, means for rotating the shaft, a series of radially projecting arms mounted on said shaft, said arms being arranged in pairs with one arm of each pair keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith, a series of clutches for disengageably connecting the to turn the bar on its longitudinal axis through a quarter revolution, and power operated means disposed alongside said table for transferring the scalped bar sidewise off from the table onto said turning mechanism and then back onto said table whereby to present the other sides and corners of the bar to said cutters.

30. A machine for scalping metal bars having, in combination, a reciprocable table for supporting a bar for endwise movement, a cutter operable during advance of said table to scalp a side of the bar, power operated transfer members on opposite sides of said table operable to push bars sidewise in either direction to simultaneously transfer one bar off from the table and position a second bar thereon in operative relation to said cutter, and turning mechanisms on opposite sides of said table each operable to receive a transferred bar and turn it on its longitudinal axis.

31. A machine for scalping metal bars having, in combination, a reciprocable table for supporting a bar for endwise movement, cutters operable during advance of said table to scalp the sides of the bar, two turning mechanisms respectively disposed at opposite sides of said table and each operable to receive a bar transferred sidewise off from said table and to turn the bar on its longitudinal axis, and pushers on opposite sides of said table normally retracted away from the table beyond said turning mechanisms and movable transversely of the table to transfer a. bar ofi from the table to one of said turning mechanisms or to transfer a turned bar back onto the table.

32. A machine for scalping metal bars having,

in combination, a reciprocable table for supporting a bar for endwise movement, a cutter operable during advance of said table to scalp a side of said bar, a bar support disposed alongside said table, and a power actuated pusher movable transversely of said table through a predetermined position and acting through the medium of a bar on said support to push a second bar on said table 01f the latter and leave the first bar positioned on the table in operative relation to said cutter.

33. A machine for scalping metal bars having, in combination, a reciprocable table for supporting a bar for endwise movement, a cutter operable during advance of said table to scalp a side of said bar, bar supports disposed alongside said table on opposite sides thereof, pushers on opposite sides of said table each movable transversely toward said table to push a bar on one of said supports against a second bar on the table and through the medium, thereof transfer the second bar onto the other suport while leaving the first bar on said table in operative relation to said cutter, and turning mechanisms associated with the respective supports and each operable to receive a bar transferred off from said table and turn the bar on its longitudinal axis.

ALEXANDER OBERHOFFKEN. 

